Commitment by

GreenWave

In 2015, GreenWave committed to train and support 27 smallholder fishers to establish and operate five new 3D Ocean Farms. These farms, pioneered by GreenWave, are underwater farms that utilize the full ocean column, from ocean floor to surface, and grow sea plants and shellfish used for nutritious food, animal feed, fertilizer, biofuel, and other products. The ocean farms require no water or chemical inputs, include shellfish that filter and clean ocean water, and host an array of biodiversity, making them not just sustainable but restorative for coastal ecosystems. Greenwave will roll out five new farms in U.S. fishing communities that have become economically depressed as their industries have declined due to collapsing fisheries. By establishing and supporting these ocean farms, GreenWave will revitalize the livelihoods of these fishers and transition them to ocean food production that is environmentally responsible.

Tabs

Commitment

Launched

Est. Duration

Estimated Total Value

$580,000

Region

Northern America

Countries

United States

Commitment by

GreenWave

Partner(s) of the Commitment Maker(s)

University of Connecticut,
Yale University,
elbi,
Patagonia Works

Details

GreenWave commits to training 27 new ocean farmers and supporting five new 3D Ocean Farms in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island and California. This farming model utilizes the full ocean column, from sea floor to surface, to grow a variety of plant and animal species without requiring any water, fertilizer, or pesticide inputs. It creates vibrant ecosystems that increase biodiversity and produce high yields. The infrastructure is simple: seaweed, scallops and mussels grow on floating ropes, stacked above oyster and clam cages below. From these crops, food, fertilizers, animal feeds, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biofuels and much more can be produced.

Each farm will grow restorative species (native species that create value in their ecosystems) such as seaweeds and shellfish. Each acre will filter millions of gallons of ocean water every day (a single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons), create habitats for over a hundred wild marine and bird species, and absorb excess nitrogen and carbon that threaten ocean ecosystems with dead zones and acidification.

In order to launch these new 3D Ocean Farms, GreenWave will conduct the following activities:

- Provide a total of 27 new full-time and seasonal ocean farmers with support from the permitting process and seeding to harvesting and sales through hands-on curriculum.
- Provide ongoing learning opportunities on its floating classroom which is its flagship ocean farm staffed with experienced mentors offering one-on-one mentorship and workshops.
- Provide access to reliable and low-cost seaweed and shellfish seed through its cooperatives hatchery.
- Disperse micro-grants directly to farmers to increase their farms capacity.
- Provide online tools and guides to teach the more technical aspects of the process and to provide opportunities for open-source collaboration.
- Leverage its network of buyers to ensure that all farmers will sell their product at a fair price.

Background

The worlds oceans are in trouble. Overfishing has wiped out 90% of large fish; climate change is driving ocean species from lobsters to whales northward into uncharted habitats; and nitrogen pollution from land-based farms are triggering ever-expanding dead zones that suffocate important fisheries in coastal areas globally. Scientists are sounding the alarm on the triple threat of climate change, ocean acidification, and overfishing that have triggered the largest marine extinction in 300 million years.

These environmental threats have direct consequences for global economies and food security. Over three billion people in the world rely on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. With collapsing fisheries, coastal communities in the U.S. and elsewhere have fallen on hard times. Some of the most depressed coastal communities in the United States were once thriving fishing and manufacturing communities. In recent years, notable communities in the New England states of the U.S. have seen fishing boats beached and fish factories closed down.

GreenWave is a non-profit that exists to restore local ocean ecosystems, mitigate climate change, and create jobs for coastal communities. It accomplishes this by transforming fishers into restorative ocean farmers that use practices that support marine ecosystems.

Restorative ocean farming enables fishers to transition from being the last ocean hunters to becoming the first farmers and stewards of their local waters.

Partnership Opportunities

GreenWave is looking to raise an additional $150,000 this year to reach its fundraising goal and provide the highest level of support to new farmers.